Mayor Epstein claims win in Kankakee mayoral race

Voters in Kankakee gave Mayor Nina Epstein the nod of approval Tuesday in her bid for another 4-year term. Epstein won a second four-year term in a lopsided victory over Democratic Party candidate Jarman Porter.

Epstein won 60 percent, or 1,783, votes. Porter, who was a first-time candidate in Kankakee, pulled in 1,176 votes.

Her keys to victory, the mayor said, were two-fold.She said she believes the people are pleased with the direction the city has taken in these difficult times. And number two, her opponent had no vested interest in this city until only a couple years ago.

Epstein said "You have to pay your dues," adding she served two terms as 6th Ward alderwoman before her first mayoral election.

Porter said low voter turnout helped seal his fate. Across Kankakee County, 24 percent of registered voters participated in the municipal election.